If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy side dish, this cheesy rice recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect as a companion to grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or any weeknight meal, it adds a touch of comfort food to any table. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen and comes together in just 25 minutes.
Cheesy Rice Recipe
4
servings5
minutes20
minutes325
kcal25
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
190 g 1 cup long-grain white rice
480 ml 2 cup chicken broth
240 ml 1 cup whole milk
170 g 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Equipment
Medium-sized saucepan- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups (for USA)
- Spoon
- Cheese grater
Directions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, pour in the milk and add the butter. Stir gently over medium heat until the butter melts completely, and the milk is well incorporated into the rice.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the rice, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture. The cheese should fully coat the rice.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Remove the cheesy rice from the heat. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- While cheddar cheese works great, you can also try mozzarella for a stretchier texture, or a mix of parmesan and gouda for a different flavor.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. Brown rice typically takes 40-45 minutes to cook. You may also need to add more liquid to ensure the rice cooks properly.
What type of cheese works best for cheesy rice?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice due to its strong, tangy flavor and smooth melting properties. However, other cheeses like mozzarella (for a gooey texture), gouda, or parmesan can also work well, depending on your taste preferences.
How can I make the rice creamier?
For a richer, creamier texture, you can replace half of the milk with heavy cream. Alternatively, adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream will also enhance the creaminess.
Can I add vegetables or proteins to the cheesy rice?
Yes! You can mix in steamed vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach, or add cooked proteins like shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for a heartier meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cheesy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture.
Can I freeze cheesy rice?
While it’s possible to freeze cheesy rice, the texture of the cheese may change once thawed. If you do freeze it, make sure to reheat it slowly over low heat, adding some milk to regain the creaminess.
How can I prevent the cheese from clumping?
To avoid clumping, make sure to grate the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. Also, add the cheese gradually over low heat, stirring constantly to ensure smooth melting.
Can I use water instead of broth?
Yes, but using broth (chicken or vegetable) adds a deeper flavor to the rice. If you only have water, consider adding extra seasoning to make up for the lack of broth flavor.
